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Movehtthere She peered in at her brother, and I s my head Her eyes filled with tears and Brandon wrapped his ar her into his side

I was grateful at thatfor her Honestly, I couldn’t do it I was being selfish in rief, and she deserved better than that Especially with everything the poor thing had been through First being beaten by her ex, now this…

Chloe leaned into Brandon and they stood there, just watching over Jackson as I sat by his side, each of us lost in our own thoughts

After a few minutes, Chloe broke away from Brandon, made her way over to me, knelt beside my chair, and laid her hand on my shoulder

Softly she said, "Allie, why don’t you go get some rest for a little bit? Let Brandon take you hoht here, I proe, whatsoever"

Before she’d even gotten the words out all the way, I’d begun shaking my head It was a force of habit by now; I didn’t want to leave hihed, and then her next words one fro way, Allie, but GO HOME I want to sit with my brother for a while, and I want to do it ALONE"

I closed nantly I could feelup from a simmer but I didn’t stick around for it to reach full-on boil With a hard look at her, I stohed and followed quietly

I jabbedlances over oing to make it come any faster, baby," Brandon said behind me

I whirled on hi that out You know, you don’t need to come with me I’m just fine on my own-"

"Stop it, Allie Just stop!" His words were sharp, even though they were delivered quietly

But they had the intended effect They shutelse, I think Brandon had never talked tofor hied and the doors opened, revealing Easped "Honey, are you finally going to go get some rest? Thank God!"

I opened lance at Sarah who looked just as relieved as E more than nod, because I could see the worry etched across both of their faces Worry for ht did I have toin a hospital bed down the hall? None, that’s for daed theet soht, okay?"

Ereed "No, honey, you need to stay hoet some rest It’s important that you take care of you for a while I’ll stay tonight and I proe at all Even if he just farts, I will call you, I swear!"

I smiled at her, as she intended "Okay, Sarah And…thank you You know, for everything" I waved uely

She nodded, stepped forward, and hugged o, she whispered in ardless He loves you so much and so does Chloe I love you, too, you kno could I not?"